Rantings and Ravings

By TERRY WILLISSun Advocate reporter

Fall has arrived. It did so on Sunday after showers on Saturday evening washed away the remnants of summer.

I think autumn is my favorite season. I know it is just a step away from winter and the cold and darkness that comes with it, but just the same I love it. The smells and crisp bite to the air in the mornings is wonderful.

I also love the great mix of sports and activities that happen. This year I have hope that maybe the Cubs will get to the World Series. I know, it is still a long shot. They haven't even secured their division yet, but maybe this will be the year.

Football is in full swing and I enjoy watching the sport at all levels. It was fun to see the energy flowing at the Carbon High homecoming game. Even though the home town team lost, the game was worth watching and rooting for them to not get shut out. Emery has not held an opposing team to zero since 2002. Carbon did not let them end that streak on them.

Saturday afternoons are filled with young boys mixing it up on the gridiron for the local recreation league. They take their games just as serious as the older boys. I remember sitting watching the kids play as my daughter performed as a cheerleader on the sidelines. I hope all the participants feel like they take something positive away from their season and keep injury free.

After a busy week I still enjoy slowing down on a Sunday afternoon and taking in a pro football game as well. I have several teams I like to watch so it is usually easy to find one of them on the tube. I don't get into college football too much because I am usually too busy on Saturday to watch them.

Our days grow shorter as this season gets underway. It seems harder and harder to fit in everything we want to get done. This year we also have to adjust to a new time to make the switch back from daylight savings time. I have my doubts that this will improve my life in any significant way, but congress seemed to feel that it needed to be addressed.

The fall also seems to bring flies to the area. They are around most of the summer, but in the fall they surround my house, trying to infiltrate anytime the door is open. With children around my house the door opens a lot.

Of course I wonder how the same fly that harasses you all afternoon will become impossible to find once you locate the missing fly swatter. They also seem to know that if they land on the dog you won't hit them.

So I welcome in fall with open arms and a fleece jacket. I miss the morning light when I am walking the dog, but really enjoy walking under the stars as well.

Of course ask me again if I am enjoying the season when I am standing outside freezing my hands while shooting pictures at a CHS football game later this fall.